NEC Cellists Sweep Schadt String Competition
NEC cello students win all three prizes in Allentown Symphony Orchestra competition.
New England Conservatory cello students won all three prizes in the Allentown Symphony Association's 20th anniversary Schadt String Competition, whose finals were held March 6 at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
NEC student Alexander Hersh, 22, took first place with his performance of Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129. Hersh won $8,000 and a solo performance with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra in November, when he will perform the Schumann concerto. Hersh completed NEC's Bachelor of Music degree in 2015 as a student of Laurence Lesser, and is now in the first year of the Master of Music program, studying with Paul Katz.
Second place went to cellist Sujin Lee, 24, who won $2,500. Lee completed NEC's Preparatory School in 2009, studying with Laura Blustein and Paul Katz; she was a member of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. After completing a bachelor's degree at Columbia University, she has now completed NEC's Master of Music degree and is in the Graduate Diploma program, studing with Laurence Lesser.
Third place of $1,500 went to cellist Noémie Raymond-Friset, 24, who is completing her Master of Music degree at NEC as a student of Yeesun Kim.